Soi Fon and Yoruichi continue to engage in a fierce battle. As the fight progresses, we also get a glimpse into their past, which reveals the reason why Soi Fon hates her mentor with a passion.

Ikkaku and Iba, on the other hand, start a battle of their own. It turns out they are both too lazy to get up and fetch more Sake, yet they still have enough energy to fight. Their initial rock, paper, scissors competition is quite comical, but in the world of Bleach, battles seem to occur in every situation.

The battle between Ichigo and Byakuya also intensifies. Both are pushed to their limits, revealing their highest potentials. Byakuya makes a statement like "I don't have you use my Bankai on you for a thousand years," only to use it just minutes later.

After much anticipation, we finally witness Ichigo's Bankai. Surprisingly, it gets smaller instead of becoming a giant, almost alive weapon like those of the other Captains. However, despite its size, Ichigo gains a significant advantage in speed. While most people gain extreme strength with their Bankai, Ichigo, who already has great strength, now has extreme speeds.

It's also worth noting that Ichigo's clothing changes with his Bankai, making him look like a character from the Matrix.

I find it disappointing that the Japanese version of this volume had a colored section, while the English one did not.

I actually have a liking for Hollow Ichigo. It's as if Ichigo has schizophrenia, and his other personality ensures his survival, albeit in a somewhat crazy manner.

Ichigo becomes a lot scarier when he is no longer himself. Byakuya seems seriously shocked and confused about who he is fighting and what has happened to Ichigo.

The mask forms on Ichigo's face as he is suppressed by this other entity. Perhaps he turns into a hollow or is consumed by this other person once the mask is fully formed.

Byakuya is completely stunned, and I'm surprised he doesn't ask for an explanation. He clearly knows it's not Ichigo.

His reason for wanting to kill Rukia, although somewhat reasonable, seems a little cruel. How could someone be so cold to their adopted sibling?

I wonder if it ever explains why Rukia was taken in by the Kuchiki clan.

This volume concludes with Tôshirô and Matsumoto discovering the entire council of 46 dead, led away by Izuru. He reveals that Momo has been following them the whole time, and Tôshirô goes back to ensure her safety. Leaving Izuru and Matsumoto on the verge of another battle, we see Momo completely shocked and confused about who could have killed Aizen and the council of 46. She is then greeted by Gin from behind.

I can't wait to learn more about this crazy Hollow Ichigo and discover who the real Soul Reaper murderer is!

I have one major complaint about Bleach. Although I truly love it - the characters, the scenarios, the more natural way of handling tournament-style power-up enemy encounters, and so on. Tite Kubo's art style, which is otherwise great, doesn't do a very good job of presenting action. Sometimes, depending on who is fighting and what their power-ups are, it works. For example, Renji's jointed snake sword creates visual excitement, or Mayuri Kurotsuchi's poisonous, belching bankai, or even Soi Fon's martial arts-focused hand-to-hand combat. But often, battles end up as indistinct blurs. I'm never sure who has the upper or lower hand in battles because the action is poorly communicated, with too much emphasis on "whoosh!" swirls and "DOOM!" lettering.

This is significant because much of Bleach 19 is centered around the big fight between Ichigo and Byakuya. Ichigo's power-ups make him faster and more prone to creating "whoosh" effects, while Byakuya's sword(s) disintegrate into particles.

What should be a remarkable battle turns into an exercise where my eyes glaze over as I skim through the action panels to find out what happened during the in-battle conversations.

This highlights a huge advantage that the anime has over its source material. Sure, sometimes the anime fights can go on for too long, but at least you can usually tell what's going on. Ichigo against Byakuya has the proper weight when seen on screen because we can see the movement and the colors help to distinguish the "whooshes" from the particles, from the people, and from the background.

Action is difficult to convey in still images. It's not a coincidence that one of the examples I mentioned above, Mayuri Kurotsuchi, who has a visually appealing action style, has a very stationary way of fighting. It's not just that the images are small enough to fit three, five, or eight on a manga-sized page. It's also the fact that a drawing is, well, stationary, and implying action in a static image requires, to some extent, tricking the mind. I don't blame Kubo for tending towards obfuscation.

But it still dampens a volume that should be outstanding.

While Ichigo using Bankai for the first time is truly iconic and is a huge highlight for this volume, my favorite moment in this volume is actually later in that fight.

Hollow Ichigo vs Byakuya is my favorite moment not only in Bleach but also among all the manga I've read up to this point. And that same moment in the anime is the best for me in the world of anime too. When Hollow Ichigo shows up, it makes me extremely excited no matter how many times I watch or read that moment. I've watched it countless times, and I was just as excited reading it as I have been every time I've watched it. Ichigo pulling the mask off and continuing the fight himself is so powerful and raw. It's such an important moment for him. It harks back to what Ukitake tells Rukia when she wants to help Kaien about there being battles to save lives and battles to save honor. Ichigo vs Byakuya was a fight for Ichigo's honor, and he wasn't going to let anyone else fight that battle for him. This moment showcases Ichigo's growth and determination, and it's one that will always stay with me.

We are able to witness the very first encounter between Yoruichi and Soifon, and just how intimate their relationship was. Soifon truly idolized Yoruichi and was utterly devastated when she suddenly disappeared.

During the battle with Byakuya, Hollow Ichigo makes an appearance! I could never betray my sister for the sake of the law...

Anyway, high-ranking Council Members from all over the Soul Society are being brutally murdered.

Also, under no circumstances should anything bad happen to Momo!!

This story is filled with intense moments and complex relationships. The bond between Yoruichi and Soifon is both touching and tragic. The appearance of Hollow Ichigo adds an element of chaos and danger to the battle.

The murders of the Council Members create a sense of mystery and urgency. And the fate of Momo hangs in the balance, leaving us on the edge of our seats.

We can't wait to see what will happen next in this thrilling adventure.

Bleach, Vol. 19 picks up right where the previous tankōbon ended, presenting the next ten captivating chapters (159–168) of the ongoing manga series. It has been disclosed that Yoruichi Shihōin was once the leader of Squad Two, with Soi Fon as her lieutenant. Now, she harbors a deep grudge against her former captain for deserting her and the Soul Society. Soi Fon finally succumbs when outmatched by Yoruichi.

Simultaneously, Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki escalate their battle by unleashing their bankai. With his bankai Tensa Zangetsu, Ichigo's speed significantly surges, enabling him to overpower Byakuya. Nevertheless, Ichigo struggles to fully control his bankai. Just as he is on the verge of defeat, his inner-hollow briefly seizes control of his body. Fortunately, Ichigo manages to subdue his inner-hollow before he and Byakuya concentrate the remaining of their powers in a final, intense clash. Byakuya reveals that he permitted Rukia Kuchiki's execution because he values the law above all else. However, he admits defeat as Ichigo has persuaded him not to carry out the execution.

Meanwhile, Tōshirō Hitsugaya and Rangiku Matsumoto make their way to the Central 46 Chambers, only to discover that the members of the highest authority in the Soul Society are all deceased. This tankōbon, written and illustrated by Tite Kubo, showcases a seemingly halted execution of Rukia Kuchiki and a splendidly depicted battle between Ichigo Kurosaki and Byakuya Kuchiki. The emergence of Ichigo's inner-hallow is somewhat disconcerting, yet it introduces an interesting new power set. The mystery surrounding the happenings in the Soul Society deepens, suggesting that this event has been精心策划 and all that was required was for everyone to be distracted for the execution to take place, much like the invasion force led by Ichigo Kurosaki. All in all, Bleach, Vol. 19 is a remarkable continuation of a series that remains fascinating, and I am eagerly anticipating reading more.

I completely forgot just how clean Ichigo's Bankai was!!

It's truly remarkable when you think about it. The moment he unleashes his Bankai, it's like a burst of purity and power. The weapon he wields seems to shine with a pristine glow, as if it has been untouched by the impurities of the world.

The way it cuts through the air, leaving behind a trail of clean energy, is simply breathtaking. Ichigo's Bankai is not only a display of his strength but also a symbol of his determination to protect what he holds dear.

Every time I see it, I am reminded of the awesomeness that lies within him. It makes me eager to see what other amazing feats he will accomplish with it in the future.

I really need to pay more attention to these details and not let myself forget such an important aspect of Ichigo's character and abilities.

Good volume is an important aspect in many areas.

In the world of music, a good volume can enhance the listening experience. It allows the audience to fully immerse in the rhythm and melody, feeling the emotions conveyed by the music.

For speakers or presenters, maintaining a good volume is crucial for effectively communicating their message. A clear and audible voice can capture the attention of the listeners and ensure that the information is received and understood.

In the field of audio engineering, achieving a good volume balance is essential for creating high-quality recordings. It involves adjusting the levels of different instruments and voices to create a harmonious and pleasing sound.

Overall, good volume plays a significant role in various aspects of our lives, whether it's for entertainment, communication, or artistic expression.

Okay, so let's talk about Ichigo's hollow side. What on earth is that?
It seems that when he was in the process of becoming a soul reaper, he was technically a hollow but somehow emerged as a human.
But what does this imply for him? Will he eventually turn into a hollow? And to be honest, it's kind of like a split personality within him. At certain moments, it's quite funny, but at other times, it's just like "what the fuck".
Besides this rather strange aspect, this volume was actually quite good. I truly enjoyed reading it. In fact, I'm going to start reading the next volume right now. I'm really curious to see what will happen next and how Ichigo will deal with his hollow side and all the other challenges that come his way.

The fight between Ichigo and Byakuya is truly one of the most insanely epic spectacles I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing, whether through reading or watching.

It is a battle that showcases the true essence of their characters and the power they possess.

The intensity of their clash is palpable, with each move and countermove leaving me on the edge of my seat.

The visual effects and the sheer force of their attacks make it a sight to behold.

As a fangirl, I simply cannot contain my excitement whenever I think about this fight.

It is a moment that will forever be etched in my memory as one of the greatest in the history of anime and manga.

And that's my fangirl squeal for the day!

This volume contains the most remarkable battle ever witnessed.

I vividly recall watching this in the anime and being completely engrossed, quite literally sitting on the edge of my seat.

Although we are well-acquainted with both characters, in this intense encounter, they each uncover and unleash their concealed powers.

As they are both driven to the very brink, we are able to observe them operating at the zenith of their potential.

Moreover, we are provided with a slight inkling that there is more to Byakuya than the frigid and emotionless brother we have known thus far.

His internal struggle is far more intricate than it appears on the surface, and I truly relished seeing him yield to his emotions.

This battle not only showcases the extraordinary abilities of the characters but also delves deeper into their personalities, making it a truly captivating and unforgettable experience.

There is a truly remarkable and colorful chapter in this one!

It is an absolute delight to behold. The vivid hues and captivating details within this chapter make it stand out in a truly special way.

One can't help but be drawn in by the beauty and charm that it exudes. The colors seem to dance on the page, creating a visual盛宴 that is both engaging and enchanting.

It is as if a master artist has carefully crafted this chapter, using a palette of colors to bring the story to life in the most extraordinary way. Every turn of the page reveals new and wonderful surprises, making it a joy to read and explore.

Overall, this colored chapter is a wonderful addition to the work, adding a touch of magic and allure that makes it truly unforgettable.

This was an extremely interesting volume!

I find it fascinating to observe how various things are interconnected.

Although I don't have a very clear and comprehensive picture in my mind as of yet, it has piqued my curiosity and made me eager to explore further.

Therefore, I am now moving on to the next volume with great anticipation.

I firmly believe that as I continue to read and study, the谜团 will gradually unfold, and a more distinct and complete understanding will emerge.

I am looking forward to the new knowledge and insights that the next volume will bring.